Are you planning on a new year’s resolution to be more fit and active, but not sure where to start? There are clubs and associations all over Gwynedd which offer something for everyone – no matter what the individual’s physical ability.
Leisure centres and independent clubs the length and breadth of Gwynedd are welcoming new members of all abilities. Gwynedd Council has secured around £210,000 from various sources between 2009-11, to promote disability sports in Gwynedd.
Some of the opportunities, which are suitable for those with physical disabilities, include:
- Wheelchair basketball – open to all ages and abilities and special wheelchairs will be provided – Arfon Tennis Centre, Caernarfon.
- Target shooting – Gwynedd Air Target Club – for all ages and abilities – Clwb Chwaraeon Madog, Porthmadog
- Boccia – CIL De Gwynedd Boccia Club – for adults with upper limb impairment – Glaslyn Leisure Centre, Porthmadog
- Mountain biking – suitable for people of all abilities and equipment can be provided – Coed y Brenin, Dolgellau
- Archery – Red Dragon Archers – for abilities and ages – Arfon Leisure Centre, Caernarfon
Inclusive fitness rooms, which are suitable for disabled people, are to be found at the following Gwynedd Council-run leisure centres: Glan Wnion (Dolgellau); Glaslyn (Porthmadog) and the Arfon Tennis Centre (Caernarfon).
People should contact their local leisure centre to find out what services are available and about swimming pool sessions. Contact details for all leisure centres in Gwynedd are available on the website www.gwynedd.gov.uk/leisure
Activities for people with disabilities are also available at Glan Llyn near Y Bala and a new programme for 2012 is being developed for Plas Menai near Y Felinheli to ensure opportunities for disabled people.
The availability of these activities are another step towards the aim of developing inclusive sports, according to Marcus Politis, Gwynedd Council’s Disability Sports Officer.
He said: “Instead of thinking about the needs of disabled people as something separate, the emphasis now is on providing activities that everyone can take part in.
“Games such as wheelchair basketball are activities which people of all activities can take part in together.
“Coed y Brenin is certainly the most inclusive cycling centre in Wales and a new route suitable for all is being developed. Various organisations including Snowdonia National Park, the Forestry Commission, Beicwyr Eira and Beics Brenin have worked together to purchase mountain bikes suitable for disabled people.”
Gwynedd Council’s Leisure Department is working towards gaining an inSPORT accreditation by the Wales Disability Sports Federation in recognition of its commitment to being more inclusive in all aspects of its work. Also, some of the 350 and more sports clubs in Gwynedd are working towards their Accreditation for Leisure Services in 2012.
Marcus Politis added: “We must aim for a situation where being inclusive is second nature in all aspects of any organisation’s activities, and the development of inSPORT and the accreditations leads the way for the future.”
Councillor Roy Owen, who has responsibility for Gwynedd Council’s leisure provisions, said: “All too often people think that leisure centres are the realms of the young, healthy and fit only.
“Our message is that there is a warm welcome to all at our leisure centres and that we offer activities suitable for all ages and abilities.”
For more information about activities and organisations in Gwynedd, or if you want to find out more about setting up your own club, contact Marcus Politis from Gwynedd Council’s Sports Development Team on 01758 704010 or email [email protected]
